Single Malt Whisky

Tasting Notes

Single Malt Whisky?! It may be the stereotypical drink of a 40 year old man who enjoys fly fishing and driving a Jeep, but it tastes good and it's what Scotland is most famous for, so we've got a page devoted to it! Here's some information to get you started on appreciating single malt whisky.

To begin with, let's get one thing straight. Single malt is not "Bourbon" and you should never add anything to it, except maybe a dash of Scottish spring water (still). The drink is best appreciated in a dram glass -- which is not much bigger than a shot glass. Most good restaurants and bars will serve single malt neat with a small jug of still mineral water for you to add your own -- always ensure this is what you are given and not whisky with water already added.

Single malts are surprisingly versatile and, if you choose well, can be appreciated as an aperitif, meal accompaniment or a digestif.

For an aperitif, try Glenfiddich, which is very light on the taste buds and easily enjoyed on its own.

As an accompaniment to a main meal (namely Haggis Neeps and Tatties), try the very warming Hot Toddy (recipe opposite). A word of warning though, it's very easy to drink it quickly and if you're not careful you'll devour a whole bottle before you feel anything, and then it's too late!

For a digestif, I would recommend the Macallan or Glenmorangie, because they both have a nice round, sweet taste and if you're a sweet tooth, you can try eating a piece of chocolate with it. Otherwise, Heather Cream recommend this cocktail: mix one part Heather Cream (or Bailey's if nothing else), one part coffee liqueur and one part whisky.

Our favourites

With so many whiskies to try, we've not even come close to trying half of what's on offer, but we have tried quite a few and at least we now know that bourbon and single malt whisky are as different as cats and dogs.

Our favourite single malt is The Macallan. Some say it is for beginners and that it's an easy one to appreciate. We just find the taste very appealing. Taste counts for everything.

Distilleries to visit

So far we've only been to The Glenlivet Distillery (which is very worthwhile). There is a whisky trail you can do which takes you through some of the most scenic countryside in the Highlands, and is dotted with lots of famous single malt distilleries. Further information can be found on this comprehensive (and pretty) website: The Malt Whisky Trail. Even if you're not a keen whisky drinker, at least you'll more than enjoy the scenery along the way.

Whisky Recipes

Single malt or blended whisky are fine for these recipes. We recommend The Famous Grouse which is a blended whisky (made with Macallan of course!).

Hot Toddy

Ingredients

• Whisky
• lemon
• water
• sugar (1 tablespoon per mug)

Method

• Boil water
• Put sugar in a mug, add half a mug of boiling water and stir until sugar dissolves
• Top up your mug with whisky
• Squeeze lemon juice into mug to taste.
• Enjoy!

Crannachan

Popular on Burn's night, this delicious traditional Scottish dessert is easy to make, looks fancy and will impress anyone, regardless of their appreciation for whisky.

Ingredients (for 6 people)

• 75g oatmeal
• 6 tablespoons whisky
• 4.5 tablespoons honey
• 340g rasberries
• 225ml double cream
• Garnish with a few leaves of mint/chocolate shavings

Method

• Place uncooked oats on a tray and toast them under the grill until they are lightly toasted
• Pour double cream into a mixing bowl, add whisky, honey, toasted oats and a handful of the rasberries
• Blend above ingredients until thickened
• Cover the bowl and place the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour
• When ready to serve dessert, take wine glasses and spoon layers of rasberries followed by the cream mixture until you have enough layers and then top with mint leaves or choclate curls (or both if you want) and serve.